A general term for surface decoration using the inlay method. It is a technique of applying small pieces of stone, glass (enamel), pottery (terra cotta), etc., to floors, walls, and other surfaces of buildings to create special images, in other words, a way of creating paintings by means of sculpture. These decorative techniques became popular in Roman times and were especially developed in Eastern Rome. In Japan, terra cotta mosaic flooring has been used since the late Meiji period (1868-1912), and has spread along with the use of ordinary tiles. However, mosaic tiles made of porcelain or glass are also available in addition to terra cotta tiles. (Rikizo Shiota)
